Buffing wheel



April 29, 1952 L. M. SEELENFREUND 2,594,812

BUFFING WHEEL Filed Feb. 17, 1949 2 SHEE'IfS-SHEET l April 29, 1952 L. M. SEELENFREUND 2,594,812

BUFFING WHEEL Filed Feb. 1'7, 1949' 2 SHEETSSHEET z Patented Apr. 29, 1952 BUFFING WHEEL Louis M. Seelenfreund, Chicago, Ill., assignor to Action Bufis, Inc., Chicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois Application February 17, 1949, Serial No. 76,947 2 Claims. (01. 51193) The present invention relates generally to buffing wheels. More particularly the invention relates to that type of buffing wheel which is adapted to be mounted on a power driven shaft by way of a hollow hub structure, serves during drive of the shaft and while a metallic or other surface is placed against its outer periphery, to effect polishing or buffing of the surface and comprises a rectilinear series of side by side buffing sections, each of which consists of a plurality of annular juxta-positioned fabric layers of U-shaped cross section and with gathered or pleated inner margins around a wire annulus, and a metallicring shaped core for holding the layers together and supporting them with respect to the hollow hub structure.

As evidenced by United States Patents Nos. 2,455,098 and 2,455,099, granted to me on November 30, 1948, it has heretofore been proposed in connection with the fabrication of a-bufling wheel of the aforementioned type to employ as the core of each buiflng section a pair of complemental pre-formed, oppositely positioned, rigid rings, each of which is in the form of a one-piece metallic stamping and embodies a cylindrical base flange, an annular outer side flange extending outwards from the outer margin of the base flange and a circular series of spaced apart layer-gripping teeth connected to the outer margin of the outer side flange and projecting in the same direction as the base flange. It has also been proposed to form the base flange of one of the two core forming rings of each buffing section of slightly less diameter than the base flange of the other ring and to connect together the two rings by pressing them together so that the base flanges are in telescopic relation and grip one another frictionally. In addition it has been pro- ,posed, as disclosed in Patent No. 2,455,098, positively to hold the core forming rings of the buffing sections against separation by Way of .annular lips which are connected to, and bent outwards from, the free margins of the small diameter cylindrical base flanges and are arranged in lapped relation with the annular side flanges of the rings having the large diameter base flanges. In practice it has been found that a buffing wheel as heretofore proposed is subject to the objection that when the fabric layers are Worn to the point where the wheel is not capable of further use it is necessary to discard the metallic ring shaped cores of the bufling sections together with the wire annuluses because it is impractical to separate the rings for the purpose of -reuse.

provide a bufiing wheel which is an improvement upon, and eliminates the objection to, previously designed buffing wheels of the two-piece core variety and is characterized by the fact that the core of each'bulflng section comprises a pair of spaced apart teeth equipped, flat side rings without cylindrical base flanges and in addition a ring shaped member which is of U-shaped cross section, serves to hold the side rings in clamped relation with the pleated inner margins of the fabric layers and consists of a pair of spaced apart, outwardly extending, annular side flanges which are disposed outwards of, and in lapped relation with, the teeth equipped rings and a cylindrical base part which extends between, and is formed integrally with, the inner margins of the side flanges and is capable, after the buffing section is worn, of being circumferentially cut or severed so as to release the side flanges and thus permit the rings and wire annulus to be dismantled and again used.

A further object of the invention is to provide a buffing wheel of the type and character last mentioned in which the clamping members forming parts of the cores of the buffing sections are formed of less thick metal than the side rings of the cores in order that the cylindrical base parts thereof may be readily circumferentially cut or severed in connection with dismantlement of the cores after the fabric layers of the buffing sections become worn.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a buffing wheel which is generally of new and improved construction, effectively and efficiently fulfills its intended purpose and is capable of being produced at a comparatively low cost.

Other objects of the invention and the various advantages and characteristics of the present buffing Wheel will be apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description.

The invention consists in the several novel features which are, hereinafter set forth and are more particularly defined by claims at the conclusion hereof.

In the drawings which accompany and form a part of this specification or disclosure and in which like numerals of reference denote corresponding parts throughout the several views:

Figure 1 is an axial section showing a, bufiing wheel embodying the invention operatively connected to a power driven shaft by way of a conventional hollow hub structure;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary side elevation of one of the bufling sections of the wheel;

Figure 3 is a section showing the various parts of one of the buffing sections in separated or dismantled relation preparatory to assembly;

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary section showing the side rings of Figure 3 in abutment with the pleated inner margins of the fabric layers and illustrating the clamping member of the core in assembled relation with the side rings but before outward bending of one oi the side flanges of the member; and

Figure 5 is a section like Figure 4 except that it shows the clamping member for the rings after outward bending into place of the one side flange.

The hurling wheel which is shown in the drawin s constitutes the preferred form or embodiment of the invention and is designed to be mounted on, and rotated at a comparatively high rate of speed by, a power driven shaft 7. As well.

understood in the art, the wheel is adapted during drive thereof and when a metallic or other surface is placed against its periphery to polish or buff the surface. A hub structure 8 serves as a medium for comiecting the boiling wheel to the shaft for drive by the latter. The wheel sur rounds the hub structure and consists of a rectilinear series of side by side buffing sections 9. As shown in Figure l of the drawings the hub structure embodies a pair of spaced apart discs l8 and H and a plurality of centering plates i2. disc 48 is centrally apertured and surrounds the shaft 1'. It is disposed inwards of the outer end of the shaft and abuts against an annular shoulder E3. The other disc, i. e., the disc ii, is centrally apertured and surrounds the outer end of the shaft '5. Said outer end of the shaft is provided with a screw thread i l and has thereon a nut l5 which, when tightened, clamps the hub structure 8 as a whole to the shaft. The centering plates l2 correspond in number to, and are associated respectively with, the bufiing sections 9 They serve to maintain the sections in con tered or concentric relation with the shaft 1 and are preferably in the form of sheet metal stampings. The central portions of the plates have circular holes i3 through which the shaft extends. As shown in Figure 1 the holes it are the same in diameter as the portion of t 1e shaft on which the centerin plates are mounted. The outer margins of the plates are provided with laterally extending annular flanges H. The latter are flared outwards to a slight extent, lit snugly within the culling sections 8 and embody on their free edges seat forming lips 25. l. "hen the nut i5 is tightened the discs it and ll are drawn towards one another into clamped relation with the buffing sections Q. As shown in Figure 1, the discs l and it have ducts or holes Ell therein in order to permit air to enter the interior of the hub structure 3.

The buffing sections when in operative relation with the hub structure surround the shanks It of the bolts i2 and are clamped between the outer marginal portions of the discs l8 and H as heretofore indicated. Each of the bumng sections 9 consists of a plurality of annular juxtapositioned fabric layers 2% and a metallic core. The fabric layers of the sections are lJ-shaped in cross section and have the inner margins thereof pleated or gathered. They are arranged in nested or telescopic relation and have the folded inner margins thereof anchored in place by way of wire annuluses 22. As best shown in Figures 4 and 5, the inner margins of the fabric layers are folded around the annuluses.

The cores of the bufilng sections 9 serve to hold The the fabric layers 26 together and support them with respect to the hub structure 8. They extend around, and serve to clamp together the inner marginal portions of the fabric layers as shown in Figures 1 and 5. The core of each builing section 9 consists of a pair of flat side rings 23 and 24 and a ring shaped clamping member 25 for the side rings. The side rings 23 and 23 of the sections fit flatly against the pleated inner margins of the fabric layers 2i and project both inwards and outwards of the wire annuluses 22. They are formed of metallic stampings and are clamped against the pleated inner margins of the fabric layers by way of the clamping members 25. The stock of which the rings 23 and 2d are formed is preferably of 18 gauge in order that the rings have the desired or necessary rigidity. The rings 23 are provided on the outer margins thereof with integral inwardly extending teeth 26 and these are spaced equidistantly apart and extend at right angles to the side rings 23. When the cores of the buffing sections 9 are in assembled relation with the teeth 26 they are embedded in the pleated inner margins of certain of the fabric layers. As shown in Figures 1, 4: and 5, the teeth 26 are disposed outwards of the wire annulus 22. The side rings 24 are the same in size as the side rings 23 and embody on their outer margins integral inwardly extending teeth 2i. The latter are spaced equidistantly apart and when the cores are in their assembled position extend through the pleated inner margins of certain of the fabric layers 2E. The teeth 2'! extend inwards at right angles to the side rings 2 Preferably the side rings 24 are positioned so that their teeth 2'! are in staggered or interfitting relation with the teeth 2-5 on the outer margins of the side rings 23.

The ring shaped clamping members 25 of the cores of the buffing sections are U-shaped in cross ection and consist of cylindrical base parts 28 and outwardly extending spaced apart side flanges 29 and 3%}. They are in the form of one-piece metallic stampings and fit around the inner and central portions of the side rings 23 and 24. The metallic stock of which the clamping members 25 are formed is preferably of 24 gauge in order that the members 25 are materially less thick than the side rings 23 and 2d. The outer diameter of the cylindrical base parts 28 is slightly less than the inner diameter of the side rings 23 and 24 in order that the base parts fit snugly within the side rings when the cores are in assembled position. The side flanges 29 are formed integrally with certain side margins of the cylindrical base parts 28 and extend outwards at right angles to said parts. They are of slightly less radial width than the side rings of the cores and. fit flatly against the outer surfaces of the side rings 23. The side flanges 30 of the clamping members 25 are formed integrally with the other side margins of the cylindrical base parts 28 and when the cores are in assembled position fit flatly against the outer surfaces of the side rings 25;, as shown in Figure 5. Before assembling the cores the side flanges 3 3, instead of extending outwards at right angles, extend in coaxial relation with the cylindrical base parts 28 of the clamping members 25, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. In connection with assembly of the cores the siderings 23 and 2d are first placedin abutment with the pleated inner margins of the fabric layers 2|. Thereafter the cylindrical base parts 28 with the side flanges 3% in coaxial relation therewith are inserted through the side rings 23 and 24 until the side flanges ill] of the clamping members are brought into abutment with the outer surfaces of the side rings 23. After this step or operation the side rings 23 and 24 are suitably forced together in order to bring the teeth thereon into penetrating relation with the inner margins of the fabric layers 2|. Shift of th side rings towards one another may be accomplished by placing the sections one at a time in a properly designed'or constructed press and then operating the press so as to bring the side rings 23 and 24 into clamped relation with the pleated inner marins of the fabric layers. After the side rings are forced together the side flanges 30 of the clamping members 25 are bent outwards into abutting or apped relation with the outer surfaces of the side rings 24. Outward bending of the side flanges 30 is accomplished or effected by means of any well known metal bending orrolling machine. When the cores are assembled the clamping members 25 serve to hold the side rings 23 and. 24 in clamped relation with the inner margins of the fabric layers 2!. When it is desired to dismantle the cores after the fabric layers are worn down to approximately the teeth on the outer margins on the side rings of the cores it is contemplated that the cylindrical base parts 28 of the cores will be out Or severed circumferentially at any point inside of the side flanges 29 and 39. Cutting or severing of the base parts will release or effect separation of the side flanges and thus permit the side rings 23 and 24 and the wire annuluses 22 to be dismantled and again used with other clamping members 25 to form new bufling sections 9. Circumferential cutting or severing of the base parts 28 of the clamping members may be effected or accomplished by any suitable cutting equipment and is preferably done midway between the side flanges 23 and 24 (see line x-zc of Figure 5). By making the clamping members less thick than the side rings the cylindrical base parts of the side members may be readily cut or severed in connection with dismantlement of the cores. lt is contemplated, however, that the clamping members will be sufficiently thick and rigid to accomplish their intended purpose. lhe clamping members have a twofold purpose in that they not only hold the side rings 23 and 2 1 in clamped relation with the pleated inner margins of the fabric layers 2 I, but also space apart the buffing sections 9. As shown in Figure 1, right angle bends between the cylindrical base parts 28 and the side flanges 3B of the ring shaped clamping members 25 fit within the seat forming lips IS on the centering plates l2 when the buffing sections are mounted on the hub structure 8.

When it is desired to assemble the buffing wheel on the hub structure 8 the disc H is removed from the outer end of the shaft '1 after removal of the nut l5.

After removal of the disc H the bumng sections 9 are mounted on their respective centering plates 12 and then arranged in side by side relationship. After so arranging the sections the plates are slid onto the shaft l. Thereafter the disc H is mounted on the outer end of the shaft and is secured in place by application and tightening of the nut l 5. When such nut is tightened the outer marginal portions of the discs It and H are in clamped relation with the cores of the buffing sections and serve to hold the sections in place. The centering plates l2 serve to hold the buiflng sections 9 against radial displacement with respect to the shaft. After assembly of the buffing wheel, ashereinbefore indicated, the hub 6 structure 8 serves to connect the boiling sections 9 for drive by the shaft 1..

Theherein described buffing wheel is essentially simple in design and construction and may be manufactured or fabricated at a comparatively low cost. It may be built up to any desired length by adding additional bufling sections and is characterized by the fact that the construction and design of the cores of the sections are such that the cores may be readily dismantled for re-use .of certain parts thereof after the fabric layers 2| become worn.

The invention is not to be understood as restricted to the details set forth since these may be modified within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Having thus described the invention what I claim as new and. desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. As a, new article of manufacture, a section adapted in conjunction with like sections and a hub structure to form a buffing wheel and comprising a plurality of annular juxtapositioned fabric layers of U-shaped cross section and with gathered or plaited inner margins around a wire annulus, and a core extending around and serving to secure together the inner margins of the layers and embodying a pair of separate, spaced apart, flat, stamped metal side rings formed of metal stock of such thickness that they are extremely rigid, fitting against and in centered relation with the inner margins of the outermost fabric layers, having flangeless inner margins, and provided on their outer margins with integral, inwardly extending, spaced apart teeth in embedded relation with the inner margins of certain of the fabric layers at locations outwards of the wire annulus, and a ring shaped clamping member consisting of a cylindrical base part fitting within the inner margins of the side rings and a pair of flat side flanges projecting outwardly from the side margins of the cylindrical base part, fitting flatly against the outer surfaces of the side rings, having teethless outer margins, and arranged to hold said side rings in clamped relation with the inner margins of the fabric layers, said ring shaped clamping member being formed of metallic stock of such less thickness than the rings that the core after wear of the fabric layers may be readily dismantled by so circumferentially severing said clamping member as to release the side rings for separation from one another and subsequent re-use.

2. As a new article of manufacture, a section adapted in conjunction with like sections and a hub structure to form a buffing wheel and comprising a plurality of annular juxtapositioned fabric layers and a core extending around and serving to secure together the inner margins of the layers and embodying a pair of separate, spaced apart, truly flat, stamped metal side rings formed of metallic stock of such thickness that they are extremely rigid, fitting against and in centered relation with the inner margins of the outermost fabric layers, having flangeiess inner margins, and provided on their outer margins with integral, inwardly extending, spaced apart teeth in embedded relation with the inner margins of certain of the fabric layers, and a onepiece, stamped metal, ring shaped, clamping member consisting of a cylindrical base part fitting within the inner margins of the side rings and a pair of truly flat side flanges connected to of the cylindrical base part, fitting flatly against and projecting uutwardiv :mm the side margins the outer surfaces of the Side rings, having teeth-'- less outer margins and arranged to hold said side rings in clamped relation with the inner margins of the fabric layers, said orie piece ring shaped 5 clamping member being formed 0f metallic stock of such less thickness than the rings that the core after wear at the fabrie layers may be readily dismantled by eireumferentielly eutting in two said cylindrical base part in order to release the 10 2355 099 side rings for separation from one another and subsequent re-use. I

LOUIS REFERENCES CITED Q'Ihe' following referenes are (if record iii the file at this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

